Specifications:A superb refinement to a true Canon classic, the new TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II offers enhanced functionality and image quality in its most popular tilt-shift focal length. Designed with UD glass to minimize and compensate for chromatic aberrations and a specially coated aspherical element for the highest possible glare-free image quality, this tilt-shift lens features an angle of view of 84° on a full-frame camera.

New TS rotation lets users freely combine tilting and shifting within the range of /- 90° in the direction of movement. The Tilt function has an enhanced range of movement of up to /- 8.5°, a revolving construction for both portrait and landscape shooting modes, locking, ergonomically-designed and easily operated tilt and shift knobs, uses a circular aperture for beautiful out-of-focus areas, and is constructed using only lead-free glass and has an SWC lens coating that controls ghosting and flare to a far greater degree than earlier coating technologies

Nothing enough to counterbalance the poor quality of the left side of the picture.

Cons:

Confirmed unacceptable poor resolution in the left part of the image;some defective finish details

Even the second copy of the lens I received after a 2-week waiting showed the same severe asimmetry in the two sides of the picture, without any shifting or tilting, of course; the fall in resolution in the left part , and not just the corners, would be unacceptable for any lens, not just for one pretending to be a professional one.
Given the price exceeding the equivalent of US $ 2,000, I found it surprising even the lack of precise alignment of the lines at zero setting in the lower tilt scale.
I did not want to engage with a third copy; the dealer - who was not less amazed than me - behaved fairly as usual, and gave me my money back.
Case closed, given the double failure I would rate this lens no more than 3.

Dec 20, 2014

mediluz1OfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Nov 21, 2014Location: ItalyPosts: 0

Review Date: Dec 6, 2014

Recommend? no |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 5

Pros:

Unnoticeable vignetting and distortion

Cons:

Extremely poor resolution in the left side in the clearly defective copy I goit

I was thinking at this lens as the very best 24 mm on the market, accepting its weight, clumsiness, 3.5 aperture and lack of autofocus as the price to pay for such quality, and considering its tilting and shifting options just a plus for occasional use.
First of all, the lens does not cover the 24 mm angle, being it clearly narrower than that of the 24-70 zoom at the corresponding length.
Then, I was immediately struck by the very poor resolution on the left side, not just the corners, but a diffuse lack of detail along all the side.
As a minor remark, the optional bigger knob for the shift showed some play at the zero set.
Almost unnoticeable vignetting and superlative distortion correction were as expected.
Being the lens clearly suffering from a native defect, I returned it to the dealer, who promptly agreed in recognizing it, and I’m waiting for replacement.
I’m confident that a second copy will work uniformly at the expected level, or I will ask for my money back, but the non occasional occurrence of severe defects in - as expression of lack of thorough control - is somehow amazing , especially for the pretended cutting-edge equipment.

Dec 6, 2014

Cgb628OfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Nov 10, 2012Location: United StatesPosts: 75

Review Date: May 15, 2013

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,700.00
| Rating: 10

Pros:

Amazing image quality

Cons:

Manual focus and aperture make it less useful for general purpose.

Let's start with the downsides:

Manual focus. It's not really a huge deal, but it would be nice to have it for when the lens is neither tilted nor shifted, or even just to have contrast detection.

Aperture. It's not f/2.8. I don't expect it to be that fast, but it's still technically a downside.

Image quality. I have serious issues with the files in Lightroom. From 90 feet away at 3:1 magnification I cannot read facial expressions. Even my 200mm f/2.8 can do it for half the price. Jokes aside, I can read the facial expressions at 60ft/2:1 mag. That's how sharp this lens is. I was impressed with the image quality of the lens when I first looked at files in LR, then I realized I was looking at them with 2:1 magnification. I was even more impressed! The resolution of this lens is simply astounding. Pixel peepers can finally get a wide angle and rest easy. The optical quality of this lens matches my 300 2.8L IS. It's that impressive. The files hold up to massive scrutiny.

Mechanics. They worked flawlessly. Nothing special to report here. IQ took a minor hit from maximum shift or tilt as to be expected.

My suggestion? If you have your general purpose lenses down (16-35/24-70/70-200 or primes), buy this lens. The optics are amazing, and it's a useful focal length. I sold mine due to the type of photography I do (low light, portraits, wildlife), but I would buy it back in a heartbeat if I had money to burn.

May 15, 2013

RileyJosephOfflineImage Upload: On

Registered: Sep 21, 2011Location: CanadaPosts: 184

Review Date: Feb 26, 2013

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,900.00
| Rating: 9

Pros:

Tiltin', shiftin', sharpness.

Cons:

Price

I first rented the 24TSE and a Zeiss 21mm to see which one I wanted. I originally purchased the Zeiss and while it was a awesome lens I still wanted more.
I sold the Zeiss and bought the 24TSE and it is an amazing lens. Super sharp across the frame due to the giant image circle of a tilt shift lens. Unlike the 17TSE it accepts filters onto the 82mm threads.
This is a great lens to have in a landscapers gear bag.

This lens is every bit as good as you've have read & heard, I've reluctantly sent mine back to B&H because I needed a more general purpose wide angle lens and the 24 TS-E is just not fast enough for indoor shots without flash and the manual only focus makes quick reaction shots in casual environments unpractical.

I WILL buy another one when the time & finances are right, if you have the luxury of a tripod and the time to carefully compose your shot this lens is a pure joy to use.

I bought my lens copy used in mint condition as upgrade from my 24/3.5 vers. I T/S lens. Optically it is a visible improvement - shifting the lens fully up or down does not lead to any cumbersome vignetting in the corners as the old lens version did. The lens overall is very sharp and provides an excellent IQ.
I also like that tilt and shift functions can now be rotated against each other easily in any angle.

Compared to my old version of this lens, I only see a few drawbacks which I want to mention here. Optically it does not make a difference, but the built style of the old T/S version was a metal housing while this new version uses plastic. This is especially visible when using the interlock buttons which are now tiny plastic locks (formerly metal). As mentioned in other reviews below, the new version now uses a 82 mm filter thread. This might have been needed to create a larger image circle of the lens to shift it better and to remove vignetting issues, but it forces you to get a new polarizer filter if needed.

The price for the new Canon T/S lens versions skyrocket. I recommend looking for a used one in excellent condition which saves you a couple of $$$.

Oct 15, 2012

dimsonationOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Oct 30, 2010Location: IsraelPosts: 7

Review Date: Oct 5, 2012

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10

Pros:

IQ, build quality

Cons:

no weather sealing, vulnerable knobs

I purchased this lens to become my main landscape workhorse (that is untill i can find a decent UWA with corner to corner sharpness and one that can accept filters).
Initially i was hesitant, after using 17-40L for a while and getting used to its wide angle. However the transition from 17 to 24mm proved to be less traumatic than i expected and it did provide a more natural perspective.
the ability to stitch panoramas with the shift function proved to be priceless while the tilt allowed to use the sweet spot of the lens without compromising the DOF
it's sharpness and contrast pretty much blew me away from the first shot compared to my 17-40L, no complaints there

my only complaint about this lens would be the lack of weather sealing ( i often shoot in less than ideal weather conditions that might include rain and/or sea spray, so i have to be extra cautious with that lens. the other thing are the knobs and lock levers on the lens which don't feel too reliable.

other than that its a great lens which fits my needs almost perfectly

Oct 5, 2012

GunzorroOnlineBuy and Sell: On

Registered: Aug 27, 2010Location: United StatesPosts: 7309

Review Date: Sep 26, 2012

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $2,100.00
| Rating: 10

Pros:

Amazing lens -- a must for anyone who enjoys outdoor or architectural photography.

Cons:

Bulky

One of my very favorite "core" lenses. I'm the perfect demographic for this lens: I like outdoors and buildings, and I insist on excellent detail and image control. Coming from 4x5 shooting, this is a natural fit, but it is easy enough for beginners to pick up. Great images can be had without any adjustments -- it is one of Canon's premier lenses within all the "L" lenses.

Although bulky, it is not overly heavy, and I do a lot of shooting hand held.

Sep 26, 2012

DBottingOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Jun 23, 2008Location: United KingdomPosts: 38

Review Date: Sep 11, 2012

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10

Pros:

Sharp, great Colour and contrast. Very little distortion. Great build quality. A very professional and classy product.

Cons:

Price

This lens is so sharp. That includes performance at the all important f11 ap too.

Of course sharpness alone does not produce a great lens but it's a good start. Pretty soon though I found it excelled in all area's and for me it quickly became a favourite. If I see a beautiful scene, I know this lens will do it justice.

I like to use a Hoya polorising filter and if I get up at dawn to shoot with this lens, that combination is often spellbinding to my eyes. Particularly if water is involved in the scene. Everything looks good. Somehow it draws me into the scene like no other lens does.

I am an amateur photographer but the TSE 24mm f3.5L II flatters my abilities. This is a special lens imo. There is a look to the photos it produces. 'Classy' springs to mind.

Sep 11, 2012

Peter KirkOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Sep 25, 2004Location: AustraliaPosts: 309

Review Date: Aug 31, 2011

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $2,200.00
| Rating: 10

Pros:

Features, sharpness, build quality, color

Cons:

$$$ pricey, but worth EVERY cent.

Probably the best 24mm prime out there today.
The fact that it has Tilt and Shift (and performs them brilliantly) is a BONUS.

Great architecture/landscape lens.
would not part with it.

Aug 31, 2011

JohnnyMelbournOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Aug 25, 2011Location: United KingdomPosts: 0

Review Date: Aug 25, 2011

Recommend? no |
Price paid: Not Indicated

Pros:

Solid feel, perfect manual focus ring, high contrast,

Cons:

Quality control

I was in half a mind to even write this, no doubt many if this lens fanboys will just dismiss it out of turn but there we go.

I was in the Market for replacing my distagon, basically wanted to be able to shoot a little quicker at times without needing stop down metering and manual focus.

I bought this because it intrigued me, yes I know it's manual focus but at this point I was curious!
I used to love my 85mm PC Lens for the Nikon so was eager to try this.
Upon trying it I noticed the left hand corners were exceptionally soft wide open, just like you would get with a decentered lens, and this is on my 40d!
And yes if anyone wonders I of course had all lens movements set at 0 and locked lol!

Another thing which is curious is that the filter screw thread wouldn't accept my filters!
I even ordered another 82mm filter to check, I'm wondering if this received a bang in the factory which perhaps caused problem with the element alignment?

The only reason I'm complaining about this is because at this pricing level all the lenses coming out of the factory should be given a human check and see if they meet basic operating criteria (ie not broken).

On a side note I now have the 24mm f1.4 L II and it's performing beautifully.

A class leading lens. I've a feeling this may be a "signature" Canon EOS system lens. I mean, if you wanted its use, this lens alone might be reason enough to become a Canon owner. We think of Canon's signature lenses as long IS teles, or 70-200 f/2.8 IS II (certainly not Canon wide angle lenses).
I do not use wide angle lenses much, but when I do, I frequently make wide angle environmental close ups. As long as the 24mm focal length is wide enough (some people would say not on 1-D 1.3x or 1.6x format bodies), this T-S lens is unparalleled with regard to performance at close distances. It is an amazing chunk of optical glass, engineering design, and workmanship.
It's not a lens to throw in the bag and head out. The learning curve complexity of independent T-S movement requires practice.
While I might wish it was an f/2.8, so when using it with the 1.4x TC you were not at f/5, this is a minor nit to be ignored, since the in-out focus plane can be adjusted.
In the interests of disclosure, I use it on a 1.3x 1-D body, not 35mm, and I've been on FM for 7 years and this is the first review submitted. It's stellar.
The price is not out of line. I've been wondering whether the new Lens Baby Composer Pro with the Sweet 35mm optic might give this a run for the money for casual users who want to throw a lens like this in the bag and play. The weight and size and complexity makes this not a lens to just have in the bag for play or without a purpose.

Jun 18, 2011

lamontsandersOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Apr 7, 2009Location: United StatesPosts: 352

Review Date: May 2, 2011

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $2,050.00
| Rating: 10

Pros:

IQ. Extremely versatile.

Cons:

Cost

Fantastic IQ. Excellent for landscape work. It's really excellent for anything that calls for 24mm. I would ramble about how spectacular it is...but you get the idea. It's worth it. If you are thinking about buying it...buy it.

Having worked with the 24-70 2.8L and the 24-105 4L, I really had the chance to compare the TS-E 24 to the 24mm f1.4L II for a good period of time. While the 24 1.4 is an excellent lens for landscapes and low light photography, the TS-E 24mm 3.5L II Is simply outstanding for landscapes.

If you do not shift but use the tilt to get the best of the IQ at the sweet spot f/, this lens becomes extremely sharp across the frame. Shift is offering landscapes wihout distortion and loss at a very good sharpness across the frame.

To my experience, this is the best of all 24mm, for landscape photography.

Feb 13, 2011

Peter KotsaOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Nov 1, 2007Location: AustraliaPosts: 267

Review Date: Feb 12, 2011

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $2,500.00
| Rating: 10

Pros:

It performs its task to a T. Very impressive image quality..even at the edges.

Cons:

$$$...lol

The feel and build quality is AMAZING. It makes me want to sell my 5 year old gear and buy ALL the NEW stuff Canon is releasing..beautifully constructed lens.
Optically I have nothing but HIGH Praise. The Best on the market by far. 5 stars all the way with this lens.

I wanted a TS lens for my landscape photography (5D2) since a long time
mostly to be able to control perspective distortion (trees etc.). Even if
this lens seemed a bit expensive at first I am glad I bought it. The images
just have a special kind of look to them without converging lines. Now I
know why some ppl say that any serious landscape photographer should
own perspective control lenses.

Opticaly performance and build quality are superb. The lens is a pleasure
to use too (it's manual focus only btw). Highly recommended.